Dunedin, Florida — With a week until Opening Day, Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro had his annual springtime media session on Thursday.
The team’s president spoke for over an hour in a boardroom on the second level of the Blue Jays’ player development complex. He discussed the heated but unsuccessful pursuit of Shohei Ohtani during free agency, the perceived understated offseason that followed, expectations for the 2024 roster, and the latest on Rogers Centre construction.
The Blue Jays were a finalist to acquire Ohtani this offseason. He even visited the team’s player development complex in Dunedin before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $700 million.
The Blue Jays president spoke honestly about his delight over Ohtani’s pursuit, revealing that there were instances up until the very final night when Shapiro thought, “This feels like it could really happen.”
According to Shapiro, Ohtani showed a genuine interest in Toronto.
“He knew the neighbourhoods, had spent time there, and was thoughtful. He recognised what was unique about Toronto, as we all do,” Shapiro added. “He appreciated the diversity, multinational nature, and progressiveness. He appreciated the safety and some of the differences from large American cities.”
The Blue Jays ultimately declined to sign Ohtani, who is currently coping with the abrupt firing of his long-time translator Ippei Mizuhara due to Mizuhara’s alleged involvement in illicit gambling and charges of “massive theft.” However, Shapiro stated that the experience served as yet another reminder that Toronto’s reputation as a place where significant free players do not sign is largely a myth.
